I am President of the European Parliament's All Party Disability Group. Our recent successes include the passing of legislation requiring all buses to provide full disabled access, gaining recognition for sign language at the European level, gaining recognition for deafblindness, campaigning for better access to the European Parliament for disabled people and also the successful campaign that resulted in the inclusion of the anti-discrimination clause in European treaties, as well as leading on other initiatives to combat discrimination at European level.

I aim to offer as much support as I can to campaigns to improve the rights of people with disabilities. In 2001, for example I organised a high profile meeting with Ryanair over the discriminatory charges they levy on disabled passengers.

When it comes to issues of equality I will do whatever I can to right discrepancies or unfair practices. I have been very concerned that when it administers grants to developing countries, the European Commission does not recognise disability as a specific need, and have lobbied to get this position changed.

For more information on my work through the Disability Intergroup, please click here